I am here like you all, on a "highway" to a healthier me. Reason why I call it a highway is due to the time that it will take for me to lose the weight and there is no end to a highway, as there is no end to changing to a healthy lifestyle and maintaining it !

I've been on my weightloss program for a week now, some people may think Im taking an easy way out, others who have a genuine interest will be able to understand why I've chosen this program.

I started my weightloss at 207.9kgs, that was the weight I was when I weighed in at the obesity clinic at westmead. I was shattered. Being the weight I am, my movement was restricted, I had severe pressure on my ankles due to the weight and swelling, my knees and back could not support me walking more than 50m. Therefore my specialist recommending I jump on a meal replacement program to kick off my initial weightloss. I am on what they consider an intensive program for the first 3 weeks until I go back to be reviewed. I replace all my 3 meals with a shake and have 2 cups of vegies from a pre approved list. I have been on this program for 4 days now and have already lost 2.3kgs.

I am really looking forward to being able to walk more than 50m and start exercising once I lose a little weight to ease the pressure and to switch over to a healthy and sensible eating plan.

Sorry, if this has been a bit of a ramble, didn't know what to write, how to write as there's so many emotions going through me this time round ! I will add pictures of my Before shots asap.

Thanks for listening guys

PS ... Just out of curiosity, am I the heaviest person on this forum ?

I do not for a single second think you have taken 'the easy way out' with your meal replacement diet. I think you're doing what's best for your current circumstance under medical guidance and you're already having success with it.

I think the replacement shakes are a great kick start to a weightloss program. Sounds like you've got a good support structure around you, too. I look forward to hearing about your continued progress

Ditto what Milkway said. I wouldn't call that taking the easy way out at all and I'm sure once you're able you'll get out there and exercise your butt off (literally). Congratulations for making a start and I look forward to hearing all about your progress.

Cheers
Opal

Oh and I wouldn't worry about whether you weigh more than other people on here, it's the progress that matters, not the starting weight.

Thanks guys ! Alot of people I chat to and advise them that Im on the shakes give me immediate attitude.

They tell me things like Im a cop out, no wonder Im so big; I cant eat properly so thats why you're taking the easy way out etc. Alot of people don't understand what its like to be as heavy as I am. I would be in a worse position if I didnt work !!!

Feeling really proud today, the family got chicken and chips and I sat there and stuck to my guns, the smell was enough for me .. I didnt even crave any chicken ( which is one of my weaknesses ! )

GoddessInside wrote:Thanks guys ! Alot of people I chat to and advise them that Im on the shakes give me immediate attitude.

They tell me things like Im a cop out, no wonder Im so big; I cant eat properly so thats why you're taking the easy way out etc.

I would recommend ignoring people like that, unless they've been in the same situation they don't know what they're talking about. I have learnt that there are certain people that are negative no matter what, you're too big, you're too skinny, you eat too much, you eat too little, why don't you exercise, what you walked 15kms are you nuts? If I were you I would listen to your doctor and forget the rest.

OMG - I can't believe that anyone would tell you that!?! That's so discouraging.

And you seem well aware that you have a long road ahead of you and it's not going to be quick or easy.

I'm sure you also know that in order for any weightloss to be sustainable, it needs to be healthy and you have to change a lot of old habits and get to the root of why you're overweight in the first place. I'm glad to hear that you're doing this under the supervision of an obesity clinic -- these guys know what they're doing.

Bad attitudes like that will do nothing to help your esteem. So stick around this board for support and encouragement. I've 'only' got 13 kilos to lose, but damn it's hard!!!

Ok, so here's my dilemma, Im feeling really pumped at the moment and feel so much better and want to try to exercise .... but i cant go walking for more than 50m or do any traditional high cardio workouts.

remember even the longest journey starts with a single step and you have already made it. Soon you will be hurtling down that highway, one day at a time and remember you are in this for the long haul now, none of us will be able to go back to how we were, we have all got to make lifestyle changes... but look at that as a positive and think of all the benefits you will reap for your sacrifices now... good luck.

Well done on going to the doctor, getting on the shakes, and starting your journey. You know that this is a lifelong lifestyle change, and that's half the battle!

I think the shakes are perfect for exactly your situation - you need to lose a chunk of weight quickly so that you will be able to exercise and lose the rest of the weight.. that's what the meal replacement shakes are best used for (not people who just wanna lose 5kg.. they just put it all back on!) and I know your doctor will help you with an eating plan and exercise and you will be feeling fantastic about yourself.

Well done on taking this step. It's a brave thing, and it's awesome. You've done a great thing for your health

Best of luck! It's great you're feeling so pumped at the moment. Have you thought of just doing some light walking, or as others have said, simple stretches/dancing or whatever? Anything that gets you moving and feeling happy You could start with just walking in your house/backyard, and move up as you can.

I look forward to seeing your journey, I can't wait! Well done on resisting the chicken the other night and on losing a couple of kg already. you can do this!

Do you have some mini-goals (say, 5kg goals where you can reward yourself)? I find they really help me break it down.. sometimes seeing you have a lot of weight to lose can get really depressing, and aiming at small goals can be really helpful

Well, im biting the bullet ! Hubby and I live in a small cul de sac and when the weather cools down, I've asked him to come walking around the circumference with me so that I can try to do 3 laps which would probably total 150 mtrs. I'm really looking forward to it !

Mandie, as for my mini goals, My first mini goal would be to get back under 200kgs by Christmas. so thats 5.6kgs in just over a month, which I think is completely do able. If I reach that, Im going to go for a neck & shoulder massage ... hurry up 5.6kgs I want my massage